title: [The HIV antibody test--answers from users].
abstract: The survey of the HIV test users interviewed at the AIDS/STD consultancy of the Bremen Health Department identifies that the test is mostly used by young, well-educated heterosexual people with a rather minor risk of a HIV infection (58%). But a cluster analysis also shows the test to be used by different groups with different risks: Young heterosexual people generally use the test, which is free of charge, pre-emptively at the begin of a new partnership so as to stop using condoms in the future. In this group, especially young men have the least potential of risk. Older heterosexual men seem to have a higher risk because of sexual affairs and less use of condoms. These men often live in long-lasting partnerships, so their wives may be infected with sexually transmitted diseases as well. The group of men who have sex with men (MSM) shows the highest risk factors (frequent change of partners, high rate of STDs in their anamnesis). At least this group often uses condoms. MSM use the test mostly after a high-risk situation to check to see if they are infected with HIV. They especially appreciate the anonymity of our test but also the consultation. The HIV test in our health department seems to be used mostly by those people who have already integrated the test into their strategies of prevention. It cannot be seen as an independent way of prevention. To reach less educated people, it is necessary to establish comprehensive concepts of prevention which reflect the cultures and the way of life of these people. Success will only be achieved in cooperation with other institutions outside the health department and also requires resources and patience. In the following we will present possible strategies.
authors.affiliation: Gesundheitsamt Bremen, Kommunale Gesundheitsberichterstattung. felicitas.jung@gesundheitsamt.bremen.de
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Jung
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016353:Self-Examination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055815:Young Adult